Several local veterans received Quilts of Valour on Saturday (Oct. 12) at the Strathmore Legion.
The nationwide program serves to gift veterans the quilts as a way of thanking them for their service. The initiative was brought to Strathmore with the help of Legion member Kevin Armitage.
"I ended up getting a quilt of valour and I recognized what it does for veteran's spirits," said Armitage. "It helps draw veterans out of their homes and get them out and doing things again."
The process involves nominating a veteran, with forms available at the Legion. The papers are then sent to quilters with the program.
"We lost our sense of purpose once we got out of the military, and now we can regain that sense of purpose. We can understand there are people out there who appreciate what we did."
According to Armitage, he has helped to give out 60 quilts in Strathmore alone since bringing the program to town.
"That's pretty good for a small town," added Armitage. "I think it's awesome, that's why I keep doing it. To see their reaction, to see their spouse's reaction, that's phenomenal."
Quilts of Valour was started in 2006 by an Edmonton quilter who presented the first of many quilts to three veterans who were in hospital after being injured in Afghanistan.